Relished Garden
Relished Garden
Claire Lidell Hanna
25: Where to Start When Your Spring Garden Feels Overwhelming
15 minutes Posted Apr 9, 2026 at 3:31 pm.
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Show notes
One year ago this week, I sat down to record the first episode of this podcast. This episode has been sitting in the vault for exactly one year. It was the first one I ever recorded, back when we had a plan and an idea and genuinely no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We didn't even have a real mic yet. So here we are, one year later, right back in that same moment. And everything I said still holds.
If you've ever walked outside in April and felt your stomach drop a little at everything staring back at you, this one's for you. Spring has a way of making us feel like we're already behind, like we woke up late and now we have to make up for it. But gardens don't actually work that way, and this episode is my case for slowing down, picking a corner, and letting the rest wait.
In this episode, I cover:
Why spring overwhelm is so common, and why the "this is the year I transform everything" mindset sets you up for more stress than satisfaction
The case for working in sections, starting with your entry points and the spaces where you actually live, rather than trying to tackle it all at once
Why weeding a little every day is one of the highest-return things you can do this spring, and how it can actually feel good once you get out of your own head about it
Practical spring tasks to focus on now, including mulching areas you won't get to, lawn care in the Pacific Northwest, and soil pH basics for grass and moss
How designing over time leads to better choices, less rework, and a lot less overwhelm
Resources
If you need more help knowing where to start in your spring garden, download our free Spring Gardening Guide.
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Until next time, I hope you find something in your garden to truly relish.